For paired rankings data, a statistical test is proposed to detect whether subjects' posttreatment rankings have moved systematically toward an unknown ranking or set of rankings. Using paired-rankings from 38 ninth graders in a writing and literary criticism course, graphical methods for representing the data are presented. (SLD)

Interactive dialogues between teacher and student or between student and student were used to teach revision skills to 18 adolescents with learning disabilities or English as a Second language. Both intervention conditions were equally effective in promoting clarity and thematic salience in trainees' reportive essays. (Author/JDD)

Presents a case study of a fourth-grade student who learned to participate in the literacy community of her classroom by writing letters. Claims that letter writing aided this student in gaining confidence and skill. Discusses implications of this study for forging a new pedagogy of writing. (HB)

A case study is reported involving a detailed content analysis of the daily journal writing of 20 teaching assistants. Results showed that most students approved of and benefited from journal writing, particularly for improved confidence and language fluency and as an outlet for stress; however, little analytical or reflective writing took place.…

System D is a computer program for writing in French. This program has a tracking device that provides a log of student inquiries made during the writing process. Twenty-one college students of French participated in a study to examine how this log provides data about the foreign language writing process. Suggestions are given on how to use the…

This paper examines whole language and process approaches to writing instruction, outlining their benefits (frequent and meaningful writing, support of self-regulated learning, and emphasis on the integrative nature of learning in literacy development) and weaknesses (overreliance on incidental learning and lack of emphasis on the mechanics of…

Analyzes the effects of eight reading and writing lessons designed to increase adolescent thinking ability. Finds that the lessons increased thinking abilities and scholastic achievement of middle school students. Notes that the lessons positively affect students' self-esteem and communication skills. (RS)

Reviews two areas of cross-cultural research (sociolinguistic research on oral interaction and the applied linguistic research area of contrastive rhetoric). Makes recommendations for using collaborative peer response groups successfully with multicultural classes. (MG)

This article presents an empirical basis for the relationship between reading and writing, a theoretical socio-historical model of teaching and learning that highlights the purposeful nature of both reading and writing as creating meaning, and instructional strategies for creating literacy events that promote learning-disabled students'…

Effects on quantity and quality of student compositions of mechanical interference, rate of production, and contentless production signals to write more were studied for 24 learning-disabled (LD) fourth and sixth graders. Results indicate that LD students' writing problems are partly a result of difficulties with mechanics and sustaining…

A beginning language arts teacher of students with hearing impairments describes his development from a teacher with well-prepared lectures determined to be in control at all times to a teacher who sees his role as helping to empower students to control their own learning. Several books helpful in this transition are noted. (DB)

One technique for teaching college-level report writing consists of an essay that students use as a model for their own writing. This model, in turn, contains guidelines for composing a short essay, from title and subheadings to sentence and paragraph structure, word selection, errors to avoid, and revision. (MSE)

This article provides recommendations for teaching students how to use a story grammar cuing system to improve both the fluency and quality of their stories. The cuing system is a series of steps in the form of a checklist that serves as a self-regulatory mechanism for prompting attention, memory, and accuracy. (JDD)

Describes a four-session workshop called "Lights, Camera, Action" in which students are videotaped as they read letters they wrote from the point of view of a character in a book. Notes a positive effect on student motivation. (MG)

Introduces a series of articles exploring the nature of discourse practices and power in the writing classroom. Until recently, student writers being initiated into academic discourse were expected to disregard their own experience. These articles challenge the established authority of teacher and text, encouraging student discussion within and…